The Gallery of Heroes

As a strategist he was crucial to the organization of the March on Washington and his desire for non-violent protest was one that saw him work closely with Martin Luther King. As an openly gay man in a time when homosexuality was criminalized, Rustin’s effectiveness was somewhat limited, as people’s prejudices got the better of their judgment.

Rachel Corrie was killed after being run over by a bulldozer driven by an Israeli soldier as she protested the demolition of Palestinian homes.

Cesar Chavez fought nonviolently for the right of farm workers and Latino immigrants in the United States.

Sophie Scholl stood up for her country and what she believed in, no matter the consequences. At the age of 22, she showed Germany and the world that a small group of people could make a huge difference.

Petra, a native of Germany who moved to the United States during her childhood, was one of the world’s leading environmental activists in the last 30 years.

Vincent Lingiari fought for the land rights of the Aboriginal people of Australia using nonviolent protest.

Martin Luther King, Jr. is famous world-wide for his promotion of racial tolerance and commitment to non-violent solutions.

Aung San Suu Kyi stood the ruling junta in Burma. She spent many years imprisoned for the crime of wanting democracy in her country.

Nelson Mandela fought for an end to Apartheid in South Africa. After achieving this he became the first black president of the country.

Mahatma Gandhi led India to independence from England through the use of nonviolent protest. He has since inspired many other world leaders.